New Delhi: Arsenal's French centre half William Gallas has officially been stripped of the captain's armband, as confirmed by Sky Sports.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly relieved Gallas of his captaincy after the French defender made dressing room rifts between senior members of the Gunners squad public knowledge.
Furthermore, the 31-year old will not travel with the north London side to take on Manchester City at Eastlands on Saturday afternoon.
Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, French full back Gael Clichy,
vice-captain Kolo Toure, and influential midfielder Francesc Fabregas are the likeliest contenders to take the armband on a permanent basis.
Many commentators felt that Gallas was never captain material and this belief was vindicated with his centre-circle sulk at St Andrews after the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City last season - a match that is now infamous as Eduardo da Silva was horrifically injured after an above-ball height lunge by Martin Taylor.
"Arsene must be hurt..."
"I am stunned," legendary Gunners left back Nigel Winterburn told Sky Sports.
"I said earlier in the day that I didn't think it would happen but it just shows the manager's disappointment. Arsene is loyal to his players and he must be seriously hurt. It looks like it could be the end of Gallas' career at Arsenal when you consider the fact that he will not be travelling at the weekend. The news that Almunia would be captain would not surprise me," he added.
"The oldest member of the squad usually deputises in the captain's absence, and Fabregas is suspended," Winterburn explained.
Arsenal are expected to make an official statement later on Saturday night.
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